Bob Eckel's interest in politics started early, when got involved in the political aspect of teachers' organizations. In 1960 he was elected to the HISD Board. He ran for the Commisioner's Court and got elected. According to Eckels, his proudest...

Hector Ayala was born in Virginia and lived and was educated in both Mexico and the United States during his childhood. Graduating from the University of Kansas, Ayala got his PhD in Developmental Psychology, in May 1975. His research was in...

Native Houstonian Gerald Smith discusses how he grew up to be chairman, CEO and co-founder of Smith, Graham & Co. Investment Advisors -- one of the nation's largest minority owned institutional investment managers.

Robert Eckels describes his experiences as former Harris County judge. He discusses politics in Harris county and in the city of Houston, as well as his involvement in handling the influx of the evacuees from New Orleans during hurricane Katrina,...

Tatcho Mindiola, director of the Mexican American Studies program at the University of Houston, describes race relations in Houston in the 1950s and 1960s, and talks about his career as a community activist.

David Gockley served as the Director of the Houston Grand Opera from 1972 to 2005. Previously, he was the Assistant Director and worked in this position to improve public relations and fundraising efforts. In this interview, Mr. Gockley speaks...

Mayor on Ethics, Date: "08/19/68": Mayor Louie Welch suggests that people could go to the City Secretary’s Office to file an unspecified form despite the Code of Ethics not calling for such action; states he is not opposed to submitting a financial...

Born in an industrial family in Galveston, Texas, had a large share in the development of the Imperial Sugar Company in Sugar Land, Texas, and the development of industries there. Also was involved in the cotton industry and US Bank

Joseph "Joe" Jamail talks about growing up in Houston in the 1930s and his career as one of the top lawyers in America. He is considered one of the wealthiest lawyers in the nation and is often referred to as the King of Torts. Joe has given...

An active member of NOW (National Organization for Women) since 1970, Betty Barnes was an advocate for women's rights and equal employment opportunities for Women. Barnes was an Instructor of Government at San Jacinto College, in Houston, Texas.

Nina J. Cullinan was born in Washington, Pennsylvania in 1899. She grew up in Houston and attended Houston public schools. After college, Cullinan followed her family tradition of actively participating in civic life. She was involved in many...